Apply Caste, Income & Domicile Certificate Online in Bihar: Step-by-Step Guide
The Government of Bihar provides an easy online utility to apply for essential citizen documents including Caste (Jati), Income (Aay), and Residential/Domicile (Niwas) certificates. These services are handled through the Right to Public Services (RTPS) portal on the ServicePlus platform, eliminating the need to visit government offices for basic document processing.
- Portal Name: RTPS ServicePlus Bihar
- Offered Services: Caste, Income, Domicile Certificates
- Issuing Level: RO (Revenue Officer) / SDO / DM Levels
- Processing Time: 10 to 15 Working Days
- Official Helpline: RTPS Support Desks
- Application Fee: Free of Cost (₹0)
- Domicile: Must be a permanent resident/citizen residing in Bihar
- Age Limit: No age bar; minors can apply through parents/guardians
- Income Certificate: Based on household source disclosures
- Caste Certificate: Available to recognized SC, ST, OBC, EBC, and BC communities
- Aadhaar Card (Linked with active mobile number for OTP check)
- Alternative ID (Voter ID, PAN, or Passport if Aadhaar is not linked)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Self-Declaration Form (Swapatra-Ghoshna Patra)
- Academic Admissions: Essential for reservation benefits and school/college enrollments.
- Government Jobs: Crucial for claiming age relaxation and quota benefits in exams.
- Scholarship Programs: Required to verify family income limits for financial aid.
- Welfare Schemes: Helps access state-funded housing, pension, and agricultural schemes.
| Certificate Type | General Validity Period | Primary Application Level |
|---|---|---|
| Caste Certificate (Jati) | Generally Lifetime (unless category list updates change status) | Revenue Officer (RO) Level |
| Income Certificate (Aay) | 6 Months to 1 Year (subject to financial year changes) | Revenue Officer (RO) Level |
| Domicile Certificate (Niwas) | Permanent Domicile: Lifetime / Temporary: Specific period | Revenue Officer (RO) Level |
- Visit the official ServicePlus Bihar portal: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.
- On the left-side menu, locate and click on "Apply Online" (ऑनलाइन आवेदन) and select "General Administration Department" (सामान्य प्रशासन विभाग).
- Choose the certificate you wish to apply for:
- Issuance of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/OBC/BC Certificates (Caste)
- Issuance of Residential Certificate (Domicile)
- Issuance of Income Certificate (Income)
- Select your desired issuing authority level (it is recommended to start with the Revenue Officer Level / RO level).
- Fill out the application form with correct details, including name, parental details, address, mobile number, and email.
- Upload your scanned passport-sized photograph and agree to the Self-Declaration section.
- Verify your details using the Aadhaar OTP method, or upload a self-attested ID proof document (such as Voter ID or Aadhaar copy) in the attachment section.
- Submit the application form and save the generated Acknowledgement Slip containing your unique application reference number.
- Go to the Citizen Section on the right sidebar of the official portal: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.
- Click on the "Track Application Status" (आवेदन की स्थिति देखें) link.
- Select the tracking option: Through Application Reference Number or Through OTP/Application Details.
- Enter your unique Reference Number and the Application Submission Date.
- Complete the verification captcha and submit to view your status.
- If the status shows "Delivered", click the download link to save your digitally signed certificate as a PDF file.
Useful Links & Resources
1. What are the charges for applying for these certificates online?
There is no government fee (₹0) for applying for Caste, Income, or Domicile certificates on the RTPS Bihar ServicePlus portal.
2. How long does it take to issue the certificates?
The standard processing period is 10 to 15 working days from the date of submission, depending on verification processing times.
3. Can I apply if my Aadhaar card is not linked to my mobile number?
Yes. During the online application, do not enter your Aadhaar number in the initial field. Instead, proceed further to manually upload a scanned self-attested copy of your ID proof (like Voter ID or Aadhaar) in the attachments section.
4. What is the difference between RO level and SDO level certificates?
The Revenue Officer (RO) level is the primary level of issuance. Once you obtain your certificate from the RO level, you can use its reference number to apply for higher levels, such as the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or District Magistrate (DM) level, if required for central government schemes.
5. How can I download my certificate if I lose my acknowledgment slip?
You can retrieve your details by logging into your account on the ServicePlus portal, or by selecting the "Track Application Status" option and using your basic profile credentials to verify status details.
